Now Open in the Presidio: The Commissary

Open today in the Presidio is the new restaurant from the Presidio Trust, Traci Des Jardins, and Bon Appétit Management Company: ~THE COMMISSARY~. As we mentioned before, this destination restaurant is opening on the Main Post in the former mess hall in the Montgomery Street Barracks, which were built in 1895.

The historic structure will integrate many elements from sites around the former post, including the tabletops made from a salvaged 125-year-old Douglas fir and lighting fixtures reclaimed from a historic Army gymnasium. It’s meant to have a simple and American look, with lots of light, and there’s even a shaded front porch where you can dine. Additional seating options include more tables inside, a communal table, bar seating, and a chef’s counter that looks into the open kitchen (there are 112 seats total). There’s also a private dining area (up to 20 guests) and there’s a semi-private space in the open kitchen.

Working with Des Jardins will be culinary director Robbie Lewis, who first worked with her at Rubicon back in 1993, and for five years at Jardinière as her executive chef. Rounding out the team is executive chef Reylon Agustin (previously at Jardinière, he was also the opening chef de cuisine for Des Jardins at Manzanita at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe).

The menu will be Spanish-influenced Californian, with smaller dishes like sardines escabeche, cured tuna with radish and fennel pollen, and octopus with potatoes, olives, and pimentón; larger plates include striped bass with clams and toasted almond-garlic picada, and a fennel and baby artichoke paella. Check out the opening menu here.